Heavy rain gradually switches over to snow

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Drivers are urged to take it slow and give themselves some extra travel time as a nor’easter makes its way through Southern New England.

Chief Meteorologist Tony Petrarca said widespread rain has gradually changed over to heavy, wet snow in most communities.

As far as accumulations go, northwestern Rhode Island is expected to get a few inches and the rest of the area will see a coating to a couple inches.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for northwestern Rhode Island, while the rest of our area is under a Winter Weather Advisory. A High Wind Warning was also issued for the eastern Massachusetts coast with gusts up to 60 mph possible. Inland, there could be gusts of up to 30-45 mph.

Due to the downpours, a Flood Warning was issued for the Pawtuxet River. The river is forecasted to rise above the flood stage (9 feet) during the afternoon and minor flooding is expected to continue through at least Wednesday.

The Block Island Ferry canceled all trips Tuesday due to adverse sea conditions.

Watch: Waves in Narragansett (Story continues below).

Some area schools dismissed students early on Tuesday, while others canceled after-school activities.

Parking bans are in effect for several communities including Cranston, Pawtucket, North Providence and Johnston.

The Rhode Island DMV announced that all road tests at the Cranston branch have been canceled for Tuesday, as well as Wednesday morning.

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The storm could also affect air travel. Check our Flight Tracker for updates at T.F. Green and Logan airports.

The heavy, wet snow will cling to trees and power lines, which combined with gusty winds could cause some power outages.

Crews from Rhode Island Energy and local DPWs were out Monday making preparations for whatever Mother Nature brings.

“We’re taking care of what we need to to make sure the catch basins can handle the heavy rain,” Cranston DPW Director Richard Bernardo said. “We’re having our fleet maintenance go through all the trucks to make sure everything is ready to go as soon as the snow starts.”

Bernardo told 12 News the wet, heavy snow can take a toll on their equipment. It’s a concern shared by Rhode Island Energy spokesperson Ted Kresse.

“This one is going to test us with some really heavy, wet snow, a lot of rainfall, and obviously the high winds,” he said.

“One of the biggest challenges is going to be the length, the duration of it,” Kresse added. “It’s not going to be a quick-mover, and so we’ll have crews staged throughout the state for the next 48 hours.”